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Micro- and nanoplastics-induced stress in plants: uptake, physiological disruption, and toxicity mechanisms
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This review paper summarizes existing research on how tiny plastic particles (called microplastics and nanoplastics) are absorbed by plants and damage their health. These plastic particles can build up in plant tissues and disrupt how plants grow and function, which matters because we eat these plants. Since plastic pollution keeps breaking down into smaller pieces that plants absorb, this could eventually affect the safety and quality of our food supply.
The persistence and progressive fragmentation of plastic waste into micro- and nanoplastics (M/NPs) represent a significant and escalating threat to agro-ecosystems, adversely impacting a broad spectrum of organisms from soil microbiota to plants, animals, and ultimately human health. Although ecotoxicological studies have documented adverse outcomes, connections between plastic exposure and specific plant physiological endpoints remain underexplored. Here, we synthesize the current evidence on the interaction of plastics particle with plants, especially emphasizing accumulation and distribution of particles in different plant tissues, entry pathways, morphological disruption, and biochemical response. We further devolve into underlying toxicity mechanisms, and synergistic effects with other environmental stressors. Therefore, this review synthesizes current knowledge on the uptake, internal fate, and physiological consequences of M/NPs stress in plants. We also identify key areas for future research, including the development of mechanistic endpoints that directly correlate with crop performance.
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Micro- and nanoplastics in terrestrial plants: uptake, accumulation, and impacts on growth and physiology
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Tiny plastic particles from broken-down waste are building up in soil and getting absorbed by plants through their roots and leaves, according to this review of existing research. Once inside, these particles can stunt seed sprouting, weaken root growth, and interfere with photosynthesis (how plants make energy from sunlight), which matters because these are the same crops we eat. Since the plastic can travel from soil into plant tissue, this raises questions about how much may be passing into our food supply and, ultimately, into us.
How do nanoplastics hijack crop physiology: A review of uptake pathways and agricultural sustainability implications
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This research review summarizes how tiny plastic particles called nanoplastics can get inside crop plants through their roots and leaves, potentially harming how plants grow and produce food. These ultra-small plastic pieces interfere with how plants absorb nutrients and respond to stress, which could threaten our food supply. Since we eat these crops, understanding how nanoplastics affect plant health is important for protecting both agriculture and human health.
Adsorption, uptake and toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics: Effects on terrestrial plants and aquatic macrophytes
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This review summarizes research on how micro- and nanoplastics interact with terrestrial plants and aquatic macrophytes, finding that many species can absorb or take up plastic particles. Both short-term and long-term plastic exposure triggered stress responses in plants, and since plants are at the base of food chains and a major part of the human diet, there is concern about plastics moving up through the food web. The findings suggest that plastic pollution could potentially affect plant productivity and broader ecosystem function.
Tracking Nano- and Microplastics in Plants: Uptake Pathways, Tissue Distribution, and Analytical Strategies from Microscopy to Spectroscopy
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Tiny plastic particles from soil, water, and air can get absorbed by plant roots and leaves, then travel through the plant into stems and leaves we eventually eat, and evidence suggests this can stress plants by damaging photosynthesis and causing cell damage. This review rounds up the science on how researchers detect these plastic particles in plant tissue, noting it's still tricky to tell plastic bits apart from normal plant material under the microscope. The bigger takeaway for consumers: since crops can take up these particles from contaminated environments, understanding this process is a key step toward figuring out how much plastic might be ending up on our
Micro and nanoplastics pollution: Sources, distribution, uptake in plants, toxicological effects, and innovative remediation strategies for environmental sustainability
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This review examines how microplastics and nanoplastics enter plants through roots, disrupt growth and photosynthesis, and cause oxidative stress that reduces crop yields. Because these plastic particles can move through plant tissues and into edible parts, they represent a potential pathway for microplastics to enter the human food supply.
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